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The world is facing challenges, however there is hope. A fresh honor from the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to motivate individuals to take action.

This new Earth medal bearing Jane Goodall's name will be given in honour of the renowned scientist and conservationist who died this year. It seeks to acknowledge individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

Initial honorees are slated for announcement at the upcoming Starmus event in Tenerife and La Palma, scheduled from 17–22 October the coming year.

It was shared that Jane Goodall, a former Starmus advisory board member, had backed the medal's establishment. “The idea behind this medal, and Starmus being entrusted to oversee it, is Jane’s,” a representative said. “She expressed she would like for this to occur. This is likely because of the close bond she had with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge sustainable programmes undertaken to make our world improved for all living beings and ecosystems and foster motivation to carry on that work,” commented a relative.

Format and Inspiration

One of the founders of Starmus noted that the medal – unveiled at a prestigious venue – will likely have multiple categories.

“It will be modeled after the Stephen Hawking award for science communication established a decade past,” it was explained. Goodall herself received of that very medal.

Sharing thoughts about the future for Earth, a prominent voice remarked, “Frankly, it's challenging to feel hopeful. Present governance globally represents an assault on knowledge. This situation significantly hampers global initiatives.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't particularly bright therefore we must really start reflecting, with greater urgency regarding the impact of human activity. And that’s not only global warming, but also the entire manner that we treat nature.”

Inspiring Change

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to emulate Jane Goodall's legacy. “I think that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this essential spirit that Jane embodied – which made her foremost concern, to change the way we treat the other animals with which we share the planet.”

A major topic today is the proliferation of false information. The central topic of next year’s Starmus festival is set as “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“There is a recognition that factual reality has become a matter of debate when politics are involved. This is a perilous development,” it was said. “The science of climate is a science; it is impossible to have any influence from politics in this field.”

Hope and Determination

The goal remains that the medal will spur concrete steps. “It focuses on inspiring individuals to participate and to care and to strive toward these goals, really. Regardless of if we’re optimistic, we have to focus on doing our utmost,” a statement concluded. “Accept the possibility of setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A family member involved in conservation work shared confidence that “with guidance and once enabled, humanity are capable of being responsible caretakers of Earth”, highlighting the work of an institute that, among its other activities, assists young people become engaged with their community, animals, and environment.

“As Jane Goodall repeatedly emphasized, the choices we make each day are significant and it is up to us what type of impact we choose to create,” it was stated. “It is not too late and this medal will offer support and raise awareness about constructive efforts that people are making.”